Multiplexes still stay away from Welcome

MUMBAI: With less than two days to go for the release of Akshay Kumar starrer Welcome, the stand off between the movie’s distributors Studio 18 and large multiplex chains continues.

A few stand alone multiplexes like Bombay’s 24 Karat and Apsara and Pune’s E Square and City Pride chains have signed up with distributors on the latter’s revenue share terms.

As was first reported by Businessofcinema.com, for Welcome, Studio 18 is quoting the same terms given to Om Shanti Om, which was distributed by Eros because the circuit wise selling price of the two movies is at par. Om Shanti Om received 50, 42.5 share for the first two weeks for Bombay city and 50, 45 share for the other territories.

But in the case of Welcome, the multiplexes are offering a share of 48, 40 for the first two weeks for Bombay city and 50, 42.5 for other territories.

On condition of anonymity a multiplex programming head questions, "Is it not fair that Welcome should receive the same revenue share terms as Akshay’s pervious film Heyy Babyy and Bhool Bhulaiyaa received?"

But Akshay Kumar’s stardom has been growing with every release. Moreover Studio 18’s kitty also has Singh is Kinng (starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif) for the next year.

Considering the fact that hype and promotion around the film is high and the release is coinciding with the five day holiday period of Christmas and Eid, which will drive a lot of traffic to the multiplexes, it needs to be seen as to who will benefit from the final decision.